Ninja Pod and Grounds Coffee Maker, K-Cup Compatible, Stone, PB051ST Brews, Compact Design, Built-in Milk Frother, 56 Ounces Reservoir, 6 Ounces Cup to 24 Ounces Mug Sizes

4.3 (11,333)

$99.98$129.99

You save $30.01

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Price last checked 2026-10-06, 13:00. The current price on Amazon may differ.

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Ninja Pod & Grounds Specialty Single-Serve Coffee Maker, K-Cup Pod Compatible, Brews Grounds, Compact Design, Built-In Milk Frother, 56-oz. Reservoir, 6-oz. Cup to 24-oz. Mug Sizes, Stone, PB051ST

Our verdict

The Ninja PB051ST is a competent mid-range single-serve brewer that handles both pods and grounds, making it versatile for mixed households. At $99.99, it's reasonably priced for what you get, but the milk frother is underpowered and the overall build feels budget-conscious despite the brand name. Buy it if you need pod-and-grounds flexibility; otherwise, a dedicated pod machine or proper espresso maker will serve you better.

Dealblob score6.8/ 10

What we like

Genuinely brews both K-Cup pods and loose grounds without requiring separate machines, which saves counter space and accommodates different household preferences
56-ounce reservoir means fewer refills than typical single-serve makers, useful for people making 3-4 cups before water changes
Compact footprint (roughly 10x14 inches) actually fits in cramped kitchens without dominating space like larger coffee stations
Brew size range of 6 to 24 ounces covers everything from espresso-shot-sized drinks to travel mug fills without being stubborn about it
Built-in milk frother, while basic, does heat and aerate milk adequately for lattes without requiring a separate $80+ appliance

What we don't

Milk frother produces thin, inconsistent foam compared to even entry-level steam wands; expect serviceable cappuccinos, not cafe-quality drinks
Plastic construction throughout, including reservoir and brewing basket, feels cheap and shows fingerprints immediately on the stone finish
Brew quality with loose grounds is mediocre because the water distribution is uneven; pod brewing is noticeably better, suggesting weak basket design
No programmable brew timer or scheduling, so you can't set it to brew while you shower like many competitors at similar price points

Best for

Households with mixed coffee preferences where some people use pods and others use grounds, or anyone prioritizing compact size on a limited budget who doesn't expect barista-level milk drinks.

Not for

Specialty coffee enthusiasts, espresso lovers (it's not an espresso machine despite the frother), or anyone with minimal counter space who can commit to one brewing method.

When to buy

The current price of $99.99 is fair and within normal range; no need to wait.

In depth

The Ninja PB051ST exists in the crowded intersection of budget versatility and acceptable performance. Single-serve brewing has fractured into pod devotees and grounds purists, but households with both camps need dual-method machines. This Ninja delivers that flexibility without requiring two separate appliances, which is genuinely useful if your partner insists on Nespresso pods while you prefer fresh grounds. The dual-brewing capability isn't gimmicky here; it's practical.

In actual daily use, the machine is reliable but uninspiring. Brewing happens in under 2 minutes for pods, slightly longer for grounds. The 56-ounce tank reduces refilling chores compared to typical 40-ounce competitors. However, the milk frother is the weak point – it heats milk adequately and produces foam, but nothing approaching what a $40 handheld frother produces. Loose ground coffee brewing also underperforms because water distribution is uneven, resulting in weaker flavor than the same grounds in a pour-over. The machine seems designed to reward pod users and tolerate grounds users.

At $99.99 (down from $129.99), this sits at the sweet spot where it's not quite budget-tier but clearly not premium. Historical pricing suggests this hovers around $90-$110, making the current discount real but not exceptional. You're paying for versatility and brand recognition more than cutting-edge performance. A dedicated Keurig runs $60-$80 with better pod performance; a Breville Barista Express costs $150 more but produces genuinely good espresso. The Ninja splits the difference without excelling at either.

Buy this specifically if you have a mixed household and limited space. It won't impress coffee snobs, but it won't disappoint casual drinkers either. The build quality suggests it'll last 2-3 years with normal use before the plastic components fatigue.

Alternatives worth knowing

Keurig K-Duo Plus (5048) – Full-size dual brewer (pods and carafe grounds) for $99-$119, better for larger households, but takes up significantly more counter space
Nespresso Vertuo Plus (with Aeroccino) – Pod-only machine with better-quality integrated milk frother for $199, if you're willing to commit to Nespresso's ecosystem for consistency
Mr. Coffee Programmable Single Cup (BVMC-SCTP) – Grounds-only for $30-$40, bare-bones but reliable, if you don't need pod compatibility or milk frothing at all

How we score

This take is AI-generated from our own data: current price vs MSRP, the price history we recorded, public ratings, manufacturer specs, and comparison with similar products in the same category. It is not individually reviewed by an editor. We don't physically test products – we evaluate the deal.

Review updated: 2026-07-02

Price History

Low: $99.97High: $99.99current: $99.992 recorded price changes

We check the price every two hours and only store it when it changes – hence the step line: between two points the price stayed flat.